Sound barrier panel and glare screen

ABSTRACT

Various implementations include a sound barrier panel including first and second polymeric foam portions, a rubber membrane, and a polyurea coating. The first and second polymeric foam portions each have a first surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apart from the first end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spaced apart from the top end. The second surface of the first polymeric foam portion abuts a first surface of the rubber membrane, and a second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the second polymeric foam portion. The polyurea coating covers at least the first surface of the first polymeric foam portion and the second surface of the second polymeric foam portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/814,058 filed Mar. 5, 2019 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/872,871 filed Jul. 11, 2019, thedisclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Sound barrier walls are built along highways to reduce the noiseproduced by motor vehicles traveling on the highways. The sound barriersmust meet specific standards based on the regulations set by localgovernments. These government standards can include noise deflectiontests, impact tests, and flammability tests.

Currently, many sound barriers are manufactured using concrete soundbarrier panels. These concrete panels are capable of meeting the abovelisted standards for highway sound barriers. However, due to theirweight, concrete sound barrier panels require large constructionequipment to lift and position the sound barrier panels, makinginstallation of the concrete sound barrier panels difficult, timeconsuming, and costly. Thus, a need exists for a sound barrier panelthat is light weight but capable of meeting the required governmentstandards for highway sound barriers.

SUMMARY

The present devices and systems include improved sound barrier panels,sound barrier systems, glare screens, and glare screen systems. Thesound barrier panels and systems are light weight but still haveproperties that allow the panels and systems to pass governmental noisedeflection, impact, flammability, and wind tests.

Various implementations include a sound barrier panel. The sound barrierpanel includes a first polymeric foam portion, a rubber membrane, asecond polymeric foam portion, and a polyurea coating. The firstpolymeric foam portion has a first surface, a second surface oppositeand spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, a second endopposite and spaced apart from the first end, a top end, and a bottomend opposite and spaced apart from the top end. The rubber membrane hasa first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from thefirst surface. The second surface of the first polymeric foam portionabuts the first surface of the rubber membrane. The second polymericfoam portion has a first surface and a second surface opposite andspaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the rubbermembrane abuts the first surface of the second polymeric foam portion.The polyurea coating covers at least the first surface of the firstpolymeric foam portion and the second surface of the second polymericfoam portion.

In some implementations, the sound barrier panel further includes atleast one metal stud extending from the first end of the first polymericfoam portion to the second end of the first polymeric foam portion.

In some implementations, the polyurea coating covers the first polymericfoam portion, the rubber membrane, the second polymeric foam portion,and the at least one metal stud.

In some implementations, the at least one metal stud includes a firstmetal stud and a second metal stud. The first metal stud extends alongthe top end of the first polymeric foam portion, and the second metalstud extends along the bottom end of the first polymeric foam portion.

In some implementations, the at least one metal stud further includes athird metal stud and a fourth metal stud. The third metal stud extendsalong the first end of the first polymeric foam portion, and the fourthmetal stud extends along the second end of the first polymeric foamportion.

In some implementations, the at least one metal stud is 14-gaugegalvanized steel or thicker.

In some implementations, the at least one metal stud is couplable withanother metal stud.

In some implementations, the at least one metal stud is couplable withanother metal stud by a tongue and groove joint.

In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion has a lengthof 20 feet from the first end to the second end.

In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the secondpolymeric foam portion include 1-pound density expanded polystyrene.

In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the secondpolymeric foam portion include from 1-pound density to 10-pound densityexpanded polystyrene. In some implementations, the first polymeric foamportion and the second polymeric foam portion include from 3-pounddensity to 5-pound density expanded polystyrene.

In some implementations, the rubber membrane has a thickness of ⅛ inchas measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to the secondsurface of the rubber membrane.

In some implementations, the sound barrier panel has a weightedtransmission loss of at least 20 dBA.

In some implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fireretardant rating of Class A (Class I).

In some implementations, the sound barrier panel passes the MissileImpact Test per Miami-Dade PA 201, the Positive Cyclic Load Test perMiami-Dade PA 203, and the Negative Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA203.

Various other implementations include a sound barrier system. The soundbarrier system includes a first sound barrier panel and a second soundbarrier panel. Each of the first sound barrier panel and the secondsound barrier panel includes a first polymeric foam portion, a rubbermembrane, a second polymeric foam portion, a polyurea coating, and atleast one metal stud. The first polymeric foam portion has a firstsurface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the firstsurface, a first end, and a second end opposite and spaced apart fromthe first end. The rubber membrane has a first surface and a secondsurface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The secondsurface of the first polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface ofthe rubber membrane. The second polymeric foam portion has a firstsurface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the firstsurface. The second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the firstsurface of the second polymeric foam portion. The polyurea coatingcovers at least the first surface of the first polymeric foam portionand the second surface of the second polymeric foam portion. The atleast one metal stud extends from the first end of the first polymericfoam portion to the second end of the first polymeric foam portion. Theat least one metal stud of the first sound barrier panel is coupled tothe at least one metal stud of the second sound barrier panel.

In some implementations, the at least one metal stud of each of thefirst sound barrier panel and the second sound barrier panel includes afirst metal stud and a second metal stud.

In some implementations, the polyurea coating covers the first polymericfoam portion, the rubber membrane, the second polymeric foam portion,and the at least one metal stud.

In some implementations, the first metal studs of the first and secondsound barrier panels extend along the top ends of the first polymericfoam portions, respectively, and the second metal studs of the first andsecond sound barrier panels extend along the bottom ends of the firstpolymeric foam portions, respectively.

In some implementations, the at least one metal stud of each of thefirst and second sound barrier panels further includes a third metalstud and a fourth metal stud. The third metal studs extend along thefirst ends of the first polymeric foam portions of the first and secondsound barrier panels, and the fourth metal studs extend along the secondends of the first polymeric foam portions of the first and second soundbarrier panels.

In some implementations, the at least one metal stud is 14-gaugegalvanized steel or thicker.

In some implementations, the at least one metal stud of the first soundbarrier panel is coupled to the at least one metal stud of the secondsound barrier panel by a tongue and groove joint.

In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion has a lengthof 20 feet from the first end to the second end.

In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the secondpolymeric foam portion include 1-pound density expanded polystyrene.

In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion and the secondpolymeric foam portion include from 1-pound density to 10-pound densityexpanded polystyrene. In some implementations, the first polymeric foamportion and the second polymeric foam portion include from 3-pounddensity to 5-pound density expanded polystyrene.

In some implementations, the rubber membrane has a thickness of ⅛ inchas measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to the secondsurface of the rubber membrane.

In some implementations, the sound barrier panel has a weightedtransmission loss of at least 20 dBA.

In some implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fireretardant rating of Class A.

In some implementations, the first sound barrier panel and second soundbarrier panel pass the Missile Impact Test per Miami-Dade PA 201, thePositive Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA 203, and the Negative CyclicLoad Test per Miami-Dade PA 203.

Various other implementations include a glare screen. The glare screenincludes a screen polymeric foam portion, a polyurea coating, and atleast one coupling bracket. The screen polymeric foam portion has afirst surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the firstsurface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apart from thefirst end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spaced apart fromthe top end. The polyurea coating covers at least the first and secondsurfaces of the screen polymeric foam portion. The at least one couplingbracket is for coupling the glare screen to a barrier. The at least onecoupling bracket is embedded in the screen polymeric foam portion andextends from the bottom end of the screen polymeric foam portion.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes afirst coupling bracket and a second coupling bracket. The first couplingbracket is structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrier, andthe second coupling bracket is structured to be coupled to a secondsurface of a barrier.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes afirst coupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a third couplingbracket, and a fourth coupling bracket. The first and third couplingbrackets are structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrierand the second and fourth coupling brackets are structured to be coupledto a second surface of a barrier.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes afirst coupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a third couplingbracket, a fourth coupling bracket, a fifth coupling bracket, and asixth coupling bracket. The first, third, and fifth coupling bracketsare structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrier and thesecond, fourth, and sixth coupling brackets are structured to be coupledto a second surface of a barrier.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket defines atleast one fastener opening.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes afirst bracket section, a second bracket section, and a third bracketsection. The first bracket section is embedded in the screen polymericfoam portion, the second bracket section extends along the bottom end ofthe screen polymeric foam portion, and the third bracket portion extendsaway from the screen polymeric foam portion.

In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes afirst screen polymeric foam portion and a second screen polymeric foamportion. The glare screen further includes a rubber membrane having afirst surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from thefirst surface. The second surface of the first screen polymeric foamportion abuts the first surface of the rubber membrane, and the secondsurface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the secondscreen polymeric foam portion.

In some implementations, the rubber membrane has a thickness of ⅛ inchas measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to the secondsurface of the rubber membrane.

In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes1-pound density expanded polystyrene.

In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes from1-pound density to 10-pound density expanded polystyrene. In someimplementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes from 3-pounddensity to 5-pound density expanded polystyrene.

In some implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fireretardant rating of Class A.

In some implementations, one of the first end or the second end of thescreen polymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the secondend or the first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of anotherglare screen by a tongue and groove joint.

In some implementations, one of the first end or the second end of thescreen polymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the secondend or the first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of anotherglare screen by a lap joint.

Various other implementations include a glare screen system including abarrier and a glare screen as described above. The barrier has a firstbarrier surface and a second barrier surface opposite and spaced apartfrom the first barrier surface. The at least one coupling bracket iscoupled to the first barrier surface or the second barrier surface.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes afirst coupling bracket and a second coupling bracket. The first couplingbracket is coupled to the first barrier surface, and the second couplingbracket is coupled to the second barrier surface.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes afirst coupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a third couplingbracket, and a fourth coupling bracket. The first and third couplingbrackets are structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrierand the second and fourth coupling brackets are structured to be coupledto a second surface of a barrier.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes afirst coupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a third couplingbracket, a fourth coupling bracket, a fifth coupling bracket, and asixth coupling bracket. The first, third, and fifth coupling bracketsare structured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrier and thesecond, fourth, and sixth coupling brackets are structured to be coupledto a second surface of a barrier.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket defines atleast one fastener opening.

In some implementations, the at least one coupling bracket includes afirst bracket section, a second bracket section, and a third bracketsection. The first bracket section is embedded in the screen polymericfoam portion, the second bracket section extends along the bottom end ofthe screen polymeric foam portion, and the third bracket portion extendsaway from the screen polymeric foam portion.

In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes afirst screen polymeric foam portion and a second screen polymeric foamportion. The glare screen further includes a rubber membrane having afirst surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from thefirst surface. The second surface of the first screen polymeric foamportion abuts the first surface of the rubber membrane and the secondsurface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the secondscreen polymeric foam portion.

In some implementations, the rubber membrane has a thickness of ⅛ inchas measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to the secondsurface of the rubber membrane.

In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes1-pound density expanded polystyrene.

In some implementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes from1-pound density to 10-pound density expanded polystyrene. In someimplementations, the screen polymeric foam portion includes from 3-pounddensity to 5-pound density expanded polystyrene.

In some implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fireretardant rating of Class A.

In some implementations, one of the first end or the second end of thescreen polymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the secondend or the first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of anotherglare screen by a tongue and groove joint.

In some implementations, one of the first end or the second end of thescreen polymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the secondend or the first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of anotherglare screen by a lap joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Example features and implementations are disclosed in the accompanyingdrawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sound barrier panel, according to oneimplementation.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the sound barrier panel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of a sound barrier panel, according to anotherimplementation.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a sound barrier system including two of thesound barrier panels of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sound barrier system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an end view of a glare screen, according to oneimplementation.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 6 coupled to abarrier.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the glare screen of FIG. 6 coupled to abarrier.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a glare screen coupled to a barrier, accordingto another implementation.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a glare screen coupled to a barrier, accordingto another implementation.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a glare screen, according to anotherimplementation.

FIG. 11B is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a glare screen, according to anotherimplementation.

FIG. 12B is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12C is an end view of the glare screen of FIG. 12A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various implementations include a sound barrier panel. The sound barrierpanel includes a first polymeric foam portion, a rubber membrane, asecond polymeric foam portion, and a polyurea coating. The firstpolymeric foam portion has a first surface, a second surface oppositeand spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, a second endopposite and spaced apart from the first end, a top end, and a bottomend opposite and spaced apart from the top end. The rubber membrane hasa first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from thefirst surface. The second surface of the first polymeric foam portionabuts the first surface of the rubber membrane. The second polymericfoam portion has a first surface and a second surface opposite andspaced apart from the first surface. The second surface of the rubbermembrane abuts the first surface of the second polymeric foam portion.The polyurea coating covers at least the first surface of the firstpolymeric foam portion and the second surface of the second polymericfoam portion.

Various other implementations include sound barrier system. The soundbarrier system includes a first sound barrier panel and a second soundbarrier panel. Each of the first sound barrier panel and the secondsound barrier panel include a first polymeric foam portion, a rubbermembrane, a second polymeric foam portion, a polyurea coating, and atleast one metal stud. The first polymeric foam portion has a firstsurface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the firstsurface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apart from thefirst end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spaced apart fromthe top end. The rubber membrane has a first surface and a secondsurface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface. The secondsurface of the first polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface ofthe rubber membrane. The second polymeric foam portion has a firstsurface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the firstsurface. The second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the firstsurface of the second polymeric foam portion. The polyurea coatingcovers at least the first surface of the first polymeric foam portionand the second surface of the second polymeric foam portion. The atleast one metal stud extends from the first end of the first polymericfoam portion to the second end of the first polymeric foam portion. Theat least one metal stud of the first sound barrier panel is coupled tothe at least one metal stud of the second sound barrier panel.

Various other implementations include a glare screen. The glare screenincludes a screen polymeric foam portion, a polyurea coating, and atleast one coupling bracket. The screen polymeric foam portion has afirst surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the firstsurface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apart from thefirst end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spaced apart fromthe top end. The polyurea coating covers at least the first and secondsurfaces of the screen polymeric foam portion. The at least one couplingbracket is for coupling the glare screen to a barrier. The at least onecoupling bracket is embedded in the screen polymeric foam portion andextends from the bottom end of the screen polymeric foam portion.

Various other implementations include a glare screen system including abarrier and a glare screen as described above. The barrier has a firstbarrier surface and a second barrier surface opposite and spaced apartfrom the first barrier surface. The at least one coupling bracket iscoupled to the first barrier surface or the second barrier surface.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a sound barrier panel 100. The sound barrier panel100 includes a rubber membrane sandwiched between a first polymeric foamportion polymeric foam portion and a second polymeric foam portion, fourmetal studs each extending along either the top end, bottom end, andside ends of the sandwiched portions, and a polyurea coating coveringthe rubber membrane, the first polymeric foam portion, the secondpolymeric foam portion, and the metal studs. The sound barrier panel 100is capable of deflecting sound and is durable enough to withstand severweather. Two or more sound barrier panels 100 can be vertically stackedon each other to form a taller, sound barrier system.

The rubber membrane 102 of the sound barrier panel 100 is an effectivesound deflecting barrier due to its high density. The rubber membrane102 has a first end 104 and a second end 106 opposite and spaced apartfrom the first end 104, and a top end 108 and a bottom end 110 oppositeand spaced apart from the top end 108. The rubber membrane 102 also hasa first surface 112 and a second surface 114 opposite and spaced apartfrom the first surface 112. The first surface 112 and second surface 114of the rubber membrane 102 extend from the first end 104 of the rubbermembrane 102 to the second end 106 of the rubber membrane 102 and fromthe top end 108 of the rubber membrane 102 to the bottom end 110 of therubber membrane 102. The rubber membrane 102 has a thickness of ⅛ inchas measured from the first surface 112 of the rubber membrane 102 to thesecond surface 114 of the rubber membrane 102. Although the rubbermembrane 102 is used for sound deflection in the sound barrier 100 shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, in other implementations, another sound deflectingmaterial could be used instead of a rubber membrane, such as cork, denseglass, sheet metal, or any other material with a high enough density todeflect the desired level of noise for the particular environment inwhich the sound barrier panel is designed to be used.

The first and second polymeric foam portions 116, 130 add thickness tothe sound barrier panel 100 for structural support. The first polymericfoam portion 116 of the sound barrier panel 100 has a first end 118 anda second end 120 opposite and spaced apart from the first end 118, and atop end 122 and a bottom end 124 opposite and spaced apart from the topend 122. The first polymeric foam portion 116 also has a first surface126 and a second surface opposite 128 and spaced apart from the firstsurface 126. The first surface 126 and second surface 128 of the firstpolymeric foam portion 116 extend from the first end 118 of the firstpolymeric foam portion 116 to the second end 120 of the first polymericfoam portion 116 and from the top end 122 of the first polymeric foamportion 116 to the bottom end 124 of the first polymeric foam portion116. The first polymeric foam portion 116 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ismanufactured from 1-pound density expanded polystyrene because of thematerial's light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. However,in other implementations, the first polymeric foam portion can beexpanded polystyrene having any other density. In some implementations,the first polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In someimplementations, the first polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5pounds. In some implementations, the first polymeric foam portion ismanufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam,extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board.

The second polymeric foam portion 130 of the sound barrier panel 100 hasa first end 132 and a second end 134 opposite and spaced apart from thefirst end 132, and a top end 136 and a bottom end 138 opposite andspaced apart from the top end 136. The second polymeric foam portion 130also has a first surface 140 and a second surface 142 opposite andspaced apart from the first surface 140. The first surface 140 andsecond surface 142 of the second polymeric foam portion 130 extend fromthe first end 132 of the second polymeric foam portion 130 to the secondend 134 of the second polymeric foam portion 130 and from the top end136 of the second polymeric foam portion 130 to the bottom end 138 ofthe second polymeric foam portion 130. The second polymeric foam portion130 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is manufactured from 1-pound density expandedpolystyrene because of the material's light weight, low cost, and easeof manufacturing. However, in other implementations, the secondpolymeric foam portion can be expanded polystyrene having any otherdensity. In some implementations, the second polymeric foam portion hasa density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the second polymericfoam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, thesecond polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam,polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any otherfoam board or fiber board.

The sound barrier panel 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a length of 20feet as measured from the first end 118 of the first polymeric foamportion 116 to the second end 120 of the first polymeric foam portion116. The sound barrier panel 100 also has a height of 4 feet as measuredfrom the top end 108 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 to thebottom end 110 of the first polymeric foam portion 116. The soundbarrier panel 100 further has a thickness of 6 inches as measured fromthe first surface 126 of the first polymeric foam portion 116 to thesecond surface 142 of the second polymeric foam portion 130. However, inother implementations, the lengths, heights, and thicknesses are anyother size based on the intended use of the sound barrier panel.

When assembled, the second surface 114 of the first polymeric foamportion 116 abuts the first surface 112 of the rubber membrane 102, andthe second surface 114 of the rubber membrane 102 abuts the firstsurface 140 of the second polymeric foam portion 130.

The sound barrier panel 100 includes a first metal stud 144, a secondmetal stud 144′, a third metal stud 144″, and fourth metal stud 144′″.The four metal studs 144, 144′, 144″, 144′″ create a frame around theends of the sound barrier panel 100 to add structural stability to thesound barrier panel 100. Each of the four metal studs 144, 144′, 144″,144′″ has a middle portion 146, 146′, 146″, 146′″, a first side portion156, 156′, 156″, 156′″, and a second side portion 166, 166′, 166″,166′″. Each of the middle portions 146, 146′, 146″, 146′″ has a firstend 148, 148′, 148″, 148′″ and a second end 150, 150′, 150″, 150′″opposite and spaced apart from the first end 148, 148′, 148″, 148′″, andan inner surface 152, 152′, 152″, 152′″ and an outer surface 154, 154′,154″, 154′″ opposite and spaced apart from the inner surface 152, 152′,152″, 152′″. Each of the first side portions 156, 156′, 156″, 156′″ hasa first end 148, 148′, 148″, 148′″ and a second end 160, 160′, 160″,160′″ opposite and spaced apart from the first end 148, 148′, 148″,148′″, and an inner surface 152, 152′, 152″, 152′″ and an outer surfaceopposite 154, 154′, 154″, 154′″ and spaced apart from the inner surface152, 152′, 152″, 152′″. Each of the second side portions 166, 166′,166″, 166′″ has a first end 168, 168′, 168″, 168′″ and a second end 170,170′, 170″, 170′″ opposite and spaced apart from the first end 168,168′, 168″, 168′″, and an inner surface 172, 172′, 172″, 172′″ and anouter surface 174, 174′, 174″, 174′″ opposite and spaced apart from theinner surface 172, 172′, 172″, 172″. The first ends 148, 148′, 148″,148′″ of the middle portions 146, 146′, 146″, 146′″ are coupled to thefirst ends 148, 148′, 148″, 148′″ of the first side portions 156, 156′,156″, 156′″ such that the inner surfaces 152, 152′, 152″, 152′″ of themiddle portions 146, 146′, 146″, 146′″ are disposed at a ninety degreeangle to the inner surfaces 152, 152′, 152″, 152′″ of the first sideportions 156, 156′, 156″, 156′″. The second ends of the middle portions146, 146′, 146″, 146′″ are coupled to the first ends 168, 168′, 168″,168′″ of the second side portions 166, 166′, 166″, 166′″ such that theinner surfaces 152, 152′, 152″, 152′″ of the middle portions 146, 146′,146″, 146′ are disposed at a ninety degree angle to the inner surfaces172, 172′, 172″, 172′ of the second side portions 166, 166′, 166″,166′″. Thus, each of the four metal studs 144, 144′, 144″, 144′″ has asquared U-shape cross-section as viewed in a plain perpendicular to theinner surfaces 152, 152′, 152″, 152′ of each of the middle portion 146,146′, 146″, 146′″ of each respective metal stud 144, 144′, 144″, 144′″.Each of the four metal studs 144, 144′, 144″, 144′ comprises 14-gaugegalvanized steel, but in other implementations, the metal studs compriseany material and any thickness to make the sound barrier panel have thedesired strength and flexibility characteristics for the environment inwhich the sound barrier panel is designed to be used.

The inner surface 152 of the middle portion 146 of the first metal stud144 is disposed on the top ends 108, 122, 136 of the rubber membrane102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foamportion 130. The inner surface 162 of the first side portion 156 of thefirst metal stud 144 is disposed along the first surface 126 of thefirst polymeric foam portion 116, and the inner surface 172 of thesecond side portion 166 of the first metal stud 144 is disposed alongthe second surface 142 of the second polymeric foam portion 130. Thefirst metal stud 144 extends from the first ends 104, 118, 132 of therubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and thesecond polymeric foam portion 130 to the second ends 106, 120, 134 ofthe rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, and thesecond polymeric foam portion 130. Two eyebolts 188 are coupled to thefirst metal stud 144 to aid in installation of the sound barrier panel100.

The inner surface 152′ of the middle portion 146′ of the second metalstud 144′ is disposed on, and extends along, the bottom ends 110, 124,138 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116,and the second polymeric foam portion 130. The inner surface 162′ of thefirst side portion 156′ of the second metal stud 144′ is disposed alongthe first surface 126 of the first polymeric foam portion 116′, and theinner surface 172′ of the second side portion 166′ of the second metalstud 144′ is disposed along the second surface 142 of the secondpolymeric foam portion 130. The second metal stud 144′ extends from thefirst ends 104, 118, 132 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymericfoam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130 to thesecond ends 106, 120, 134 of the rubber membrane 102, the firstpolymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130.

The inner surface 152″ of the middle portion 146″ of the third metalstud 144″ is disposed on, and extends along, the first ends 104, 118,132 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116,and the second polymeric foam portion 130. The inner surface 162″ of thefirst side portion 156″ of the third metal stud 144″ is disposed alongthe first surface 126 of the first polymeric foam portion 116, and theinner surface 172″ of the second side portion 166″ of the third metalstud 144″ is disposed along the second surface 142 of the secondpolymeric foam portion 130. The third metal stud 144′ extends from thetop ends 108, 122, 136 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymericfoam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130 to thebottom ends 110, 124, 138 of the rubber membrane 102, the firstpolymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130.

The inner surface 152′″ of the middle portion 146′″ of the fourth metalstud 144′″ is disposed on, and extends along, the second ends 106, 120,134 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116,and the second polymeric foam portion 130. The inner surface 162′″ ofthe first side portion 156′″ of the fourth metal stud 144′″ is disposedalong the first surface 126 of the first polymeric foam portion 116, andthe inner surface 172′″ of the second side portion 166′″ of the fourthmetal stud 144′″ is disposed along the second surface 142 of the secondpolymeric foam portion 130. The fourth metal stud 144′″ extends from thetop ends 108, 122, 136 of the rubber membrane 102, the first polymericfoam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130 to thebottom ends 110, 124, 138 of the rubber membrane 102, the firstpolymeric foam portion 116, and the second polymeric foam portion 130.

The polyurea coating 190 covers the entirety of the exposed portions ofthe rubber membrane 102, the first polymeric foam portion 116, thesecond polymeric foam portion 130, and the four metal studs 144, 144′,144″, 144″. The polyurea coating 190 adds strength and fire resistanceto the sound barrier panel 100. The polyurea coating 190 shown in FIGS.1 and 2 has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class A. However, inother implementations, the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fireretardant rating of Class B or Class C.

The polyurea coating 190 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is covered in an outer layer192 comprising paint. The outer layer 192 is added to the sound barrierpanel 100 for aesthetic purposes and to add ultraviolet resistance tothe sound barrier panel 100. In some implementations, the outer layerincludes a logo or advertisement. In some implementations, the outerlayer is an aggregate surface or an adhesive. The outer layer cancomprise different surfaces and textures (for example, cementapplications) depending on the aesthetic purpose or functionalrequirements. In some embodiments, the polyurea coating is a purepolyurea coating. A pure polyurea coating can be obtained as a result ofreaction of diisocyanates and amines, resulting in urea linkages. Insome embodiments, the polyurea coating is the Forever Bond polyureacoating (Forever Bond 55/125/10 and/or the Forever Bond 180 FR)available from Coatings International, LLC (Marietta, Ga.). Additionalpolyurea coatings are known in the art and are commercially availablefrom various companies, for example, ArmorThane, VersaFlex, ArmaCoatings, and Huntsman Corporation. In some embodiments, the polyureacoating can be a hybrid coating, comprising polyurea and, for example,polyurethane.

Fully assembled, the sound barrier panel 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 hasa weighted transmission loss of 27 dBA and a Sound Transmission Class(“STC”) rating of STC-29 as calculated according to ASTM E90. The soundbarrier panel 100 is strong enough to pass the Missile Impact Test perMiami-Dade PA 201, the Positive Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA 203,and the Negative Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA 203.

FIG. 3 shows another implementation of a sound barrier panel 300. Thefirst metal stud 344 has a middle portion 346, a first side portion 356,and a second side portion 366 similar to the first metal stud 144 in theimplementation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the first side portion 356and the second side portion 366 of the first metal stud 344 shown inFIG. 3 are not coupled to the middle portion 346. Rather, a firststepped portion 376 is coupled to the first end 348 of the middleportion 346 and the first end 358 of the first side portion 356, and asecond stepped portion 382 is coupled to the second end 350 of themiddle portion 346 and the first end 368 of the second side portion 366.The first stepped portion 376 and the second stepped portion 382 eachhave an inner surface 378, 384 and an outer surface 380, 386 oppositeand spaced apart from the inner surface 378, 384.

The second metal stud 344′ has a middle portion 346′, a first sideportion 356′, and a second side portion 366′ similar to the second metalstud 144′ in the implementation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the firstside portion 356′ and the second side portion 366′ of the second metalstud 344′ shown in FIG. 3 are not coupled to the middle portion 346′.Rather, a first stepped portion 376′ is coupled to the first end 348′ ofthe middle portion 346′ and the first end 358′ of the first side portion356′, and a second stepped portion 382′ is coupled to the second end350′ of the middle portion 346′ and the first end 368′ of the secondside portion 366′. The first stepped portion 376′ and the second steppedportion 382′ each have an inner surface 378′, 384′ and an outer surface380′, 386′ opposite and spaced apart from the inner surface 378′, 384′.

The top ends 322, 336 and bottom ends 324, 338 of the first polymericfoam portion 316 and the second polymeric foam portion 330 in the soundbarrier panel 300 of FIG. 3 have been modified to accommodate the shapeof the first metal stud 344 and second metal stud 344′.

The outer surfaces 364, 380, 386 of the middle portion 346, firststepped portion 376, and second stepped portion 382 of the first metalstud 344 are sized to be disposed on the outside surfaces 364′, 380′,386′ of the middle portion 346′, first stepped portion 376′, and secondstepped portion 382′ of the second metal stud 344′, respectively, toform a tongue in groove joint. The tongue in groove joint providesadditional strength to connected sound barrier panels, as describedbelow.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a side view and a perspective view, respectively, ofa sound barrier system 494 including a first sound barrier panel 400 anda second sound barrier panel 500. Both the first sound barrier panel 400and the second sound barrier panel 500 are the same implementation ofthe sound barrier panel 300 shown in FIG. 3. The outer surfaces 464,480, 486 of the middle portion 446, the first stepped portion 476, andthe second stepped portion 482 of the first metal stud 444 of the firstsound barrier panel 400 contact the outer surfaces 564′, 580′, 586′ ofthe middle portion 546′, the first stepped portion 576′, and the secondstepped portion 582′ of the second metal stud 544′ of the second soundbarrier panel 500, respectively.

Two I-beams 496 are vertically oriented and spaced apart from each othersuch that the first ends and second ends of each of the first soundbarrier panel 400 and the second sound barrier panel 500 can be slidablydisposed within the channels 498 in the I-beams 496 to form the soundbarrier system 494. By stacking additional sound barrier panels betweenthe two I-beams 496 and onto the first and second sound barrier panels400, 500 and/or by including additional vertical I-beams 496 adjacentthe existing two I-beams 496 and stacking additional sound barrierpanels in the channels 498 of the I-beams 496, sound barrier systems ofvarious sizes and shapes can be constructed.

FIGS. 6-8 show a glare screen 600 including a rubber membrane 602, afirst screen polymeric foam portion 616, a second screen polymeric foamportion 630, a polyurea coating 690, a first coupling bracket 644, and asecond coupling bracket 644′. The glare screen 600 can be coupled to atop end 724 of a barrier 700 to provide a visual barrier above thebarrier. In some implementations, the glare screen 600 includes a rubbermembrane 602 to deflect sound.

The rubber membrane 602 of the glare screen 600 is an effective sounddeflecting barrier due to its high density. The rubber membrane 602 hasa first end 604 and a second end 606 opposite and spaced apart from thefirst end 604, and a top end 608 and a bottom end 610 opposite andspaced apart from the top end 608. The rubber membrane 602 also has afirst surface 612 and a second surface 614 opposite and spaced apartfrom the first surface 612. The first surface 612 and second surface 614of the rubber membrane 602 extend from the first end 604 of the rubbermembrane 602 to the second end 606 of the rubber membrane 602 and fromthe top end 608 of the rubber membrane 602 to the bottom end 610 of therubber membrane 602. The rubber membrane 602 has a thickness of ⅛ inchas measured from the first surface 612 of the rubber membrane 602 to thesecond surface 614 of the rubber membrane 602. In FIGS. 6-8, in otherimplementations another sound deflecting material could be used insteadof a rubber membrane, such as cork, dense glass, sheet metal, or anyother material with a high enough density to deflect the desired levelof noise for the particular environment in which the glare screen isdesigned to be used. In some implementations, the glare screen does notinclude a rubber membrane.

The first and second screen polymeric foam portions 616, 630 addthickness to the glare screen 600 for structural support. The firstscreen polymeric foam portion 616 of the glare screen 600 has a firstend 618 and a second end 620 opposite and spaced apart from the firstend 618, and a top end 622 and a bottom end 624 opposite and spacedapart from the top end 622. The first screen polymeric foam portion 616also has a first surface 626 and a second surface opposite 628 andspaced apart from the first surface 626. The first surface 626 andsecond surface 628 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 extendfrom the first end 618 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 tothe second end 620 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 andfrom the top end 622 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 tothe bottom end 624 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616. Thefirst screen polymeric foam portion 616 shown in FIGS. 6-8 ismanufactured from 1-pound density expanded polystyrene because of thematerial's light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. In someimplementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion has a densityof 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foamportion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the firstscreen polymeric foam portion is manufactured from urethane foam,polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, or any otherfoam board or fiber board.

The second screen polymeric foam portion 630 of the glare screen 600 hasa first end 632 and a second end 634 opposite and spaced apart from thefirst end 632, and a top end 636 and a bottom end 638 opposite andspaced apart from the top end 636. The second screen polymeric foamportion 630 also has a first surface 640 and a second surface 642opposite and spaced apart from the first surface 640. The first surface640 and second surface 642 of the second screen polymeric foam portion630 extend from the first end 632 of the second screen polymeric foamportion 630 to the second end 634 of the second screen polymeric foamportion 630 and from the top end 636 of the second screen polymeric foamportion 630 to the bottom end 638 of the second screen polymeric foamportion 630. The second screen polymeric foam portion 630 shown in FIGS.6-8 is manufactured from 1-pound density expanded polystyrene because ofthe material's light weight, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. Insome implementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion has adensity of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the second screenpolymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In someimplementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion ismanufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam,extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board. Inimplementations in which the glare screen does not include a rubbermembrane, the glare screen may only include a first screen polymericfoam portion without a second screen polymeric foam portion.

The polyurea coating 690 covers the entirety of the exposed portions ofthe rubber membrane 602, the first screen polymeric foam portion 616,and the second screen polymeric foam portion 630. The polyurea coating690 adds strength and fire resistance to the glare screen 600. Thepolyurea coating 690 shown in FIGS. 6-8 has an ASTM E84 fire retardantrating of Class A. However, in other implementations, the polyureacoating has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class B or Class C.

The polyurea coating 690 in FIGS. 6-8 is covered in an outer layer 692comprising paint. The outer layer 692 is added to the glare screen 600for aesthetic purposes and to add ultraviolet resistance to the glarescreen 600. In some implementations, the outer layer includes a logo oradvertisement. In some implementations, the outer layer is an aggregatesurface or an adhesive. The outer layer can comprise different surfacesand textures (for example, cement applications) depending on theaesthetic purpose or functional requirements. In some embodiments, thepolyurea coating is a pure polyurea coating. A pure polyurea coating canbe obtained as a result of reaction of diisocyanates and amines,resulting in urea linkages. In some embodiments, the polyurea coating isthe Forever Bond polyurea coating (Forever Bond 55/125/10 and/or theForever Bond 180 FR) available from Coatings International, LLC(Marietta, Ga.). Additional polyurea coatings are known in the art andare commercially available from various companies, for example,ArmorThane, VersaFlex, Arma Coatings, and Huntsman Corporation. In someembodiments, the polyurea coating can be a hybrid coating, comprisingpolyurea and, for example, polyurethane.

The first coupling bracket 644 and second coupling bracket 644′ eachhave a first bracket section 646, 646′, a second bracket section 656,656′ coupled to the first bracket section 646, 646′, and a third bracketsection 666, 666′ coupled to the second bracket section 656, 656′. Thefirst bracket section 646 of the first coupling bracket 644 is embeddedin the first screen polymeric foam portion 616, and the first bracketsection 646′ of the second coupling bracket 644′ is embedded in thesecond screen polymeric foam portion 630. The second bracket section 656of the first coupling bracket 644 extends along the bottom end 624 ofthe first screen polymeric foam portion 616, and the second bracketsection 656′ of the second coupling bracket 644′ extends along thebottom end 638 of the second screen polymeric foam portion 630. Thethird bracket section 666 of the first coupling bracket 644 extends awayfrom the first screen polymeric foam portion 616, and the third bracketsection 666′ of the second coupling bracket 644′ extends away from thesecond screen polymeric foam portion 630. The third bracket sections666, 666′ of the coupling brackets 644, 644′ each define a plurality offastener openings 648 for receiving fasteners.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the glare screen 600 coupled to a barrier 700. Thebottom ends 624, 638 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 616 andthe second screen polymeric foam portion 630 are disposed adjacent thetop end 724 of the barrier 700. The second bracket sections 656, 656′ ofthe first coupling bracket 644 and the second coupling bracket 644′extend beyond the edges of the top end 724 of the barrier 700 such thatthe third sections 666, 666′ of the first coupling bracket 644 and thesecond coupling bracket 644′ extend adjacent the first and secondsurfaces 726, 742 of the barrier 700. Fasteners are then insertedthrough the plurality of fastener openings 648 in the third sections666, 666′ of the first and second coupling brackets 644, 644′ and driveninto the first and second surfaces 726, 742 of the barrier 700 to couplethe glare screen 600 to the barrier 700.

Although the glare screen 600 shown in FIGS. 6-8 are shown with a firstcoupling bracket 644 and second coupling bracket 644′, in otherimplementations, the glare screen includes only one coupling bracket ormore than two coupling brackets. FIG. 9 shows an implementation of aglare screen 900 including a first coupling bracket 944, a secondcoupling bracket 944′, a third coupling bracket 1044, and a fourthcoupling bracket 1044′. Each of the first, second, third, and fourthcoupling brackets 944, 944′, 1044, 1044′ are similar to the couplingbrackets 644, 644′ in the implementation shown in FIGS. 6-8, but areshorter in length. The third sections 966, 1066 of the first and thirdcoupling brackets 944, 1044 extend adjacent the first surface 726 of thebarrier 700, and the third sections 966′, 1066′ of the second and fourthcoupling brackets 944′, 1044′ extend adjacent the first surface 742 ofthe barrier 700. Fasteners are inserted through the plurality offastener openings 948, 1048 in the third sections 966, 966′, 1066, 1066′of the first, second, third, and fourth coupling brackets 944, 944′,1044, 1044′ and driven into the first and second surfaces 726, 742 ofthe barrier 700 to couple the glare screen 900 to the barrier 700.

FIG. 10 shows an implementation of a glare screen 1000 including a firstcoupling bracket 944, a second coupling bracket 944′, a third couplingbracket 1044, a fourth coupling bracket 1044′, a fifth coupling bracket1144, and a sixth coupling bracket 1144′. Each of the first, second,third, fourth, fifth, and sixth coupling brackets 944, 944′, 1044,1044′, 1144, 1144′ are similar to the coupling brackets 644, 644′ in theimplementation shown in FIGS. 6-8, but are shorter in length. The thirdsections 966, 1066, 1166 of the first, third, and fifth couplingbrackets 944, 1044, 1144 extend adjacent the first surface 726 of thebarrier 700, and the third sections 966′, 1066′, 1166′ of the second,fourth, and sixth coupling brackets 944′, 1044′, 1144′ extend adjacentthe first surface 742 of the barrier 700. Fasteners are inserted throughthe plurality of fastener openings 948, 1048, 1148 in the third sections966, 966′, 1066, 1066′, 1166, 1166′ of the first, second, third, fourth,fifth, and sixth coupling brackets 944, 944′, 1044, 1044′, 1144, 1144′and driven into the first and second surfaces 726, 742 of the barrier700 to couple the glare screen 1000 to the barrier 700.

FIGS. 11A-11C show an implementation of a glare screen 1100 similar tothe glare screen 600, 900, 1000 shown in FIGS. 6-10. However, the glarescreen 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C includes tongue and groove features.Because the glare screen 1100 includes many of the same features as theglare screens 600, 900, 1000 shown in FIGS. 6-10, similar referencenumbers to those used in FIGS. 6-10 are used to designate similarfeatures of the glare screen 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C.

The glare screen 1100 includes a rubber membrane 1102, a first screenpolymeric foam portion 1116, a second screen polymeric foam portion1130, a polyurea coating 1190, a first coupling bracket 1144, and asecond coupling bracket 1144′. The glare screen 1100 can be coupled to atop end 724 of a barrier 700 to provide a visual barrier above thebarrier. In some implementations, the glare screen 1100 does not includea rubber membrane 1102 for deflecting sound.

The first and second screen polymeric foam portions 1116, 1130 addthickness to the glare screen 1100 for structural support. The firstscreen polymeric foam portion 1116 of the glare screen 1100 has a firstend 1118 and a second end 1120 opposite and spaced apart from the firstend 1118, and a top end 1122 and a bottom end 1124 opposite and spacedapart from the top end 1122. The first screen polymeric foam portion1116 also has a first surface 1126 and a second surface opposite 1128and spaced apart from the first surface 1126. The first surface 1126 andsecond surface 1128 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1116extend from the first end 1118 of the first screen polymeric foamportion 1116 to the second end 1120 of the first screen polymeric foamportion 1116 and from the top end 1122 of the first screen polymericfoam portion 1116 to the bottom end 1124 of the first screen polymericfoam portion 1116. The first screen polymeric foam portion 1116 shown inFIGS. 11A-11C is manufactured from 1-pound density expanded polystyrenebecause of the material's light weight, low cost, and ease ofmanufacturing. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foamportion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the firstscreen polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In someimplementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion is manufacturedfrom urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extrudedpolystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board.

The second screen polymeric foam portion 1130 of the glare screen 1100has a first end 1132 and a second end 1134 opposite and spaced apartfrom the first end 1132, and a top end 1136 and a bottom end 1138opposite and spaced apart from the top end 1136. The second screenpolymeric foam portion 1130 also has a first surface 1140 and a secondsurface 1142 opposite and spaced apart from the first surface 1140. Thefirst surface 1140 and second surface 1142 of the second screenpolymeric foam portion 1130 extend from the first end 1132 of the secondscreen polymeric foam portion 1130 to the second end 1134 of the secondscreen polymeric foam portion 1130 and from the top end 1136 of thesecond screen polymeric foam portion 1130 to the bottom end 1138 of thesecond screen polymeric foam portion 1130. The second screen polymericfoam portion 1130 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C is manufactured from 1-pounddensity expanded polystyrene because of the material's light weight, lowcost, and ease of manufacturing. In some implementations, the secondscreen polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In someimplementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion has a densityof 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foamportion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethanefoam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board. Inimplementations in which the glare screen does not include a rubbermembrane, the glare screen may only include a first screen polymericfoam portion without a second screen polymeric foam portion.

The first ends 1118, 1132 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 andsecond polystyrene portion 1130 and the second ends 1120, 1134 of thefirst polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130 alsoinclude tongue and groove features. A tongue portion 1170 extends fromthe first ends 1118, 1132 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 andsecond polystyrene portion 1130, and a groove portion 1180 extends intothe second ends 1120, 1134 of the first polystyrene portion 1116 andsecond polystyrene portion 1130.

The tongue portion 1170 includes a first side step 1172 adjacent thefirst surface 1126 of the first polystyrene portion 1116, a second sidestep 1172′ adjacent the second surface 1142 of the second polystyreneportion 1130, a top step 1174 adjacent the top ends 1122, 1136 of thefirst polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130, anda bottom step 1174′ adjacent the bottom ends 1124, 1138 of the firstpolystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130. The tongueportion 1170 also includes a middle surface 1176 extending between thefirst side step 1172, second side step 1172′, top step 1174, and bottomstep 1174′.

The groove portion 1180 includes a first side step 1182 adjacent thefirst surface 1126 of the first polystyrene portion 1116, a second sidestep 1182′ adjacent the second surface 1142 of the second polystyreneportion 1130, a top step 1184 adjacent the top ends 1122, 1136 of thefirst polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130, anda bottom step 1184′ adjacent the bottom ends 1124, 1138 of the firstpolystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130. The tongueportion 1180 also includes a middle surface 1186 extending between thefirst side step 1182, second side step 1182′, top step 1184, and bottomstep 1184′.

The first side step 1172, second side step 1172′, top step 1174, bottomstep 1174′, and middle surface 1176 of the tongue portion 1170 of oneglare screen 1100 are sized to be disposed on the first side step 1182,second side step 1182′, top step 1184, bottom step 1184′, and middlesurface 1186 of the groove portion 1180 of another glare screen 1100.Thus, the tongue portion 1170 extending from the first ends 1118, 1132of the first polystyrene portion 1116 and second polystyrene portion1130 of one glare screen 1100 is disposed within the groove portion 1180extending into the second ends 1120, 1134 of the first polystyreneportion 1116 and second polystyrene portion 1130 of the other glarescreen 1100 such that the ends of the glare screens 1100 aremechanically coupled together. The tongue in groove joint formed by thetongue portion 1170 and groove portion 1180 provides additional strengthto connected the glare screens when mounted along the tops of the soundbarriers described herein.

FIGS. 12A-12C show an implementation of a glare screen 1200 similar tothe glare screen 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C. However, the glare screen1200 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C includes lap joint features. Because theglare screen 1200 includes many of the same features as the glare screen1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, similar reference numbers to those used inFIGS. 11A-11C are used to designate similar features of the glare screen1200 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C.

The glare screen 1200 includes a rubber membrane 1202, a first screenpolymeric foam portion 1216, a second screen polymeric foam portion1230, a polyurea coating 1290, a first coupling bracket 1244, and asecond coupling bracket 1244′. The glare screen 1200 can be coupled to atop end 724 of a barrier 700 to provide a visual barrier above thebarrier. In some implementations, the glare screen 1200 does not includea rubber membrane 1202 for deflecting sound.

The first and second screen polymeric foam portions 1216, 1230 addthickness to the glare screen 1200 for structural support. The firstscreen polymeric foam portion 1216 of the glare screen 1200 has a firstend 1218 and a second end 1220 opposite and spaced apart from the firstend 1218, and a top end 1222 and a bottom end 1224 opposite and spacedapart from the top end 1222. The first screen polymeric foam portion1216 also has a first surface 1226 and a second surface opposite 1228and spaced apart from the first surface 1226. The first surface 1226 andsecond surface 1228 of the first screen polymeric foam portion 1216extend from the first end 1218 of the first screen polymeric foamportion 1216 to the second end 1220 of the first screen polymeric foamportion 1216 and from the top end 1222 of the first screen polymericfoam portion 1216 to the bottom end 1224 of the first screen polymericfoam portion 1216. The first screen polymeric foam portion 1216 shown inFIGS. 12A-12C is manufactured from 1-pound density expanded polystyrenebecause of the material's light weight, low cost, and ease ofmanufacturing. In some implementations, the first screen polymeric foamportion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In some implementations, the firstscreen polymeric foam portion has a density of 3-5 pounds. In someimplementations, the first screen polymeric foam portion is manufacturedfrom urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethane foam, extrudedpolystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board.

The second screen polymeric foam portion 1230 of the glare screen 1200has a first end 1232 and a second end 1234 opposite and spaced apartfrom the first end 1232, and a top end 1236 and a bottom end 1238opposite and spaced apart from the top end 1236. The second screenpolymeric foam portion 1230 also has a first surface 1240 and a secondsurface 1242 opposite and spaced apart from the first surface 1240. Thefirst surface 1240 and second surface 1242 of the second screenpolymeric foam portion 1230 extend from the first end 1232 of the secondscreen polymeric foam portion 1230 to the second end 1234 of the secondscreen polymeric foam portion 1230 and from the top end 1236 of thesecond screen polymeric foam portion 1230 to the bottom end 1238 of thesecond screen polymeric foam portion 1230. The second screen polymericfoam portion 1230 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C is manufactured from 1-pounddensity expanded polystyrene because of the material's light weight, lowcost, and ease of manufacturing. In some implementations, the secondscreen polymeric foam portion has a density of 1-10 pounds. In someimplementations, the second screen polymeric foam portion has a densityof 3-5 pounds. In some implementations, the second screen polymeric foamportion is manufactured from urethane foam, polyurea foam, polyurethanefoam, extruded polystyrene, or any other foam board or fiber board. Inimplementations in which the glare screen does not include a rubbermembrane, the glare screen may only include a first screen polymericfoam portion without a second screen polymeric foam portion.

The first end 1232 of the second polystyrene portion 1230 and the secondend 1220 of the first polystyrene portion 1216 also include lap jointfeatures. A first lap joint portion 1270 extends from the first end 1232of the second polystyrene portion 1230, and a second lap joint portion1280 extends from the second end 1220 of the first polystyrene portion1216.

The first lap joint portion 1270 includes a first side step 1272adjacent the first surface 1240 of the second polystyrene portion 1230,a second side step 1272′ adjacent the second surface 1242 of the secondpolystyrene portion 1230, a top step 1274 adjacent the top end 1236 ofthe second polystyrene portion 1230, and a bottom step 1274′ adjacentthe bottom end 1238 of the second polystyrene portion 1230. The firstlap joint portion 1270 also includes a middle surface 1276 extendingbetween the first side step 1272, second side step 1272′, top step 1274,and bottom step 1274′.

The second lap joint portion 1280 includes a first side step 1282adjacent the first surface 1226 of the first polystyrene portion 1216, asecond side step 1282′ adjacent the second surface 1228 of the firstpolystyrene portion 1216, a top step 1284 adjacent the top end 1222 ofthe first polystyrene portion 1216, and a bottom step 1284′ adjacent thebottom end 1224 of the first polystyrene portion 1216. The second lapjoint portion 1280 also includes a middle surface 1286 extending betweenthe first side step 1282, second side step 1282′, top step 1284, andbottom step 1284′.

The first side step 1272 of the first lap joint portion 1270 of oneglare screen 1200 are sized to be disposed on the second side step 1282′of the second lap joint portion 1280 of another glare screen 1200. Thus,the first lap joint portion 1270 extending from the first end 1232 ofthe second polystyrene portion 1230 of one glare screen 1200 is disposedadjacent the second lap joint portion 1280 extending from the second end1220 of the second polystyrene portion 1230 of the other glare screen1200 such that the ends of the glare screens 1200 are mechanicallycoupled together. The lap joint formed by the first lap joint portion1270 and second lap joint portion 1280 provides additional strength toconnected the glare screens when mounted along the tops of the soundbarriers described herein.

A number of example implementations are provided herein. However, it isunderstood that various modifications can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure herein. As used in thespecification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,”“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. The term “comprising” and variations thereof as used hereinis used synonymously with the term “including” and variations thereofand are open, non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and“including” have been used herein to describe various implementations,the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” can be used inplace of “comprising” and “including” to provide for more specificimplementations and are also disclosed.

Disclosed are materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, andcomponents that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can beused in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods,systems, and devices. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, eachis specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if adevice is disclosed and discussed each and every combination andpermutation of the device, and the modifications that are possible arespecifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary.Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specificallycontemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of thisdisclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using thedisclosed systems or devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additionalsteps that can be performed, it is understood that each of theseadditional steps can be performed with any specific method steps orcombination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each suchcombination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated andshould be considered disclosed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sound barrier panel comprising: a firstpolymeric foam portion having a first surface, a second surface oppositeand spaced apart from the first surface, a first end, a second endopposite and spaced apart from the first end, a top end, and a bottomend opposite and spaced apart from the top end; a rubber membrane havinga first surface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from thefirst surface, wherein the second surface of the first polymeric foamportion abuts the first surface of the rubber membrane; a secondpolymeric foam portion having a first surface and a second surfaceopposite and spaced apart from the first surface, wherein the secondsurface of the rubber membrane abuts the first surface of the secondpolymeric foam portion; and a polyurea coating covering at least thefirst surface of the first polymeric foam portion and the second surfaceof the second polymeric foam portion.
 2. The sound barrier panel ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one metal stud extending from thefirst end of the first polymeric foam portion to the second end of thefirst polymeric foam portion.
 3. The sound barrier panel of claim 2,wherein the polyurea coating covers the first polymeric foam portion,the rubber membrane, the second polymeric foam portion, and the at leastone metal stud.
 4. The sound barrier panel of claim 2, wherein the atleast one metal stud comprises a first metal stud and a second metalstud, the first metal stud extending along the top end of the firstpolymeric foam portion and the second metal stud extending along thebottom end of the first polymeric foam portion.
 5. The sound barrierpanel of claim 4, wherein the at least one metal stud further comprisesa third metal stud and a fourth metal stud, the third metal studextending along the first end of the first polymeric foam portion andthe fourth metal stud extending along the second end of the firstpolymeric foam portion.
 6. The sound barrier panel of claim 2, whereinthe at least one metal stud is 14-gauge galvanized steel or thicker. 7.The sound barrier panel of claim 2, wherein the at least one metal studis couplable with another metal stud.
 8. The sound barrier panel ofclaim 7, wherein the at least one metal stud is couplable with anothermetal stud by a tongue and groove joint.
 9. The sound barrier panel ofclaim 1, wherein the first polymeric foam portion has a length of 20feet from the first end to the second end.
 10. The sound barrier panelof claim 1, wherein the first polymeric foam portion and the secondpolymeric foam portion comprise 1-pound density expanded polystyrene.11. The sound barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the first polymeric foamportion and the second polymeric foam portion comprise from 1-pounddensity to 10-pound density expanded polystyrene.
 12. The sound barrierpanel of claim 11, wherein the first polymeric foam portion and thesecond polymeric foam portion comprise from 3-pound density to 5-pounddensity expanded polystyrene.
 13. The sound barrier panel of claim 1,wherein the rubber membrane has a thickness of ⅛ inch as measured fromthe first surface of the rubber membrane to the second surface of therubber membrane.
 14. The sound barrier panel of claim 1, wherein thesound barrier panel has a weighted transmission loss of at least 20 dBA.15. The sound barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the polyurea coating hasan ASTM E84 fire retardant rating of Class A.
 16. The sound barrierpanel of claim 1, wherein the sound barrier panel passes the MissileImpact Test per Miami-Dade PA 201, the Positive Cyclic Load Test perMiami-Dade PA 203, and the Negative Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA203.
 17. A sound barrier system comprising: a first sound barrier paneland a second sound barrier panel, each of the first sound barrier paneland the second sound barrier panel comprising, a first polymeric foamportion having a first surface, a second surface opposite and spacedapart from the first surface, a first end, and a second end opposite andspaced apart from the first end, a rubber membrane having a firstsurface and a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the firstsurface, wherein the second surface of the first polymeric foam portionabuts the first surface of the rubber membrane, a second polymeric foamportion having a first surface and a second surface opposite and spacedapart from the first surface, wherein the second surface of the rubbermembrane abuts the first surface of the second polymeric foam portion, apolyurea coating covering at least the first surface of the firstpolymeric foam portion and the second surface of the second polymericfoam portion, and at least one metal stud extending from the first endof the first polymeric foam portion to the second end of the firstpolymeric foam portion; wherein the at least one metal stud of the firstsound barrier panel is coupled to the at least one metal stud of thesecond sound barrier panel.
 18. The sound barrier system of claim 17,wherein the at least one metal stud of each of the first sound barrierpanel and the second sound barrier panel comprises a first metal studand a second metal stud.
 19. The sound barrier system of claim 18,wherein the polyurea coating covers the first polymeric foam portion,the rubber membrane, the second polymeric foam portion, and the at leastone metal stud.
 20. The sound barrier system of claim 18, wherein thefirst metal studs of the first and second sound barrier panels extendalong the top ends of the first polymeric foam portions, respectively,and the second metal studs of the first and second sound barrier panelsextend along the bottom ends of the first polymeric foam portions,respectively.
 21. The sound barrier system of claim 20, wherein the atleast one metal stud of each of the first and second sound barrierpanels further comprises a third metal stud and a fourth metal stud, thethird metal studs extending along the first ends of the first polymericfoam portions of the first and second sound barrier panels and thefourth metal studs extending along the second ends of the firstpolymeric foam portions of the first and second sound barrier panels.22. The sound barrier system of claim 17, wherein the at least one metalstud is 14-gauge galvanized steel or thicker.
 23. The sound barriersystem of claim 17, wherein the at least one metal stud of the firstsound barrier panel is coupled to the at least one metal stud of thesecond sound barrier panel by a tongue and groove joint.
 24. The soundbarrier system of claim 17, wherein the first polymeric foam portion hasa length of 20 feet from the first end to the second end.
 25. The soundbarrier system of claim 17, wherein the first polymeric foam portion andthe second polymeric foam portion comprise 1-pound density expandedpolystyrene.
 26. The sound barrier panel of claim 17, wherein the firstpolymeric foam portion and the second polymeric foam portion comprisefrom 1-pound density to 10-pound density expanded polystyrene.
 27. Thesound barrier panel of claim 26, wherein the first polymeric foamportion and the second polymeric foam portion comprise from 3-pounddensity to 5-pound density expanded polystyrene.
 28. The sound barriersystem of claim 17, wherein the rubber membrane has a thickness of ⅛inch as measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to thesecond surface of the rubber membrane.
 29. The sound barrier system ofclaim 17, wherein the sound barrier panel has a weighted transmissionloss of at least 20 dBA.
 30. The sound barrier system of claim 17,wherein the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fire retardant rating ofClass A.
 31. The sound barrier system of claim 17, wherein the firstsound barrier panel and second sound barrier panel pass the MissileImpact Test per Miami-Dade PA 201, the Positive Cyclic Load Test perMiami-Dade PA 203, and the Negative Cyclic Load Test per Miami-Dade PA203.
 32. A glare screen comprising: a screen polymeric foam portionhaving a first surface, a second surface opposite and spaced apart fromthe first surface, a first end, a second end opposite and spaced apartfrom the first end, a top end, and a bottom end opposite and spacedapart from the top end; a polyurea coating covering at least the firstand second surfaces of the screen polymeric foam portion; and at leastone coupling bracket for coupling the glare screen to a barrier, the atleast one coupling bracket being embedded in the screen polymeric foamportion and extending from the bottom end of the screen polymeric foamportion.
 33. The glare screen of claim 32, wherein the at least onecoupling bracket comprises a first coupling bracket and a secondcoupling bracket, the first coupling bracket being structured to becoupled to a first surface of a barrier and the second coupling bracketbeing structured to be coupled to a second surface of a barrier.
 34. Theglare screen of claim 32, wherein the at least one coupling bracketcomprises a first coupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a thirdcoupling bracket, and a fourth coupling bracket, the first and thirdcoupling brackets being structured to be coupled to a first surface of abarrier and the second and fourth coupling brackets being structured tobe coupled to a second surface of a barrier.
 35. The glare screen ofclaim 32, wherein the at least one coupling bracket comprises a firstcoupling bracket, a second coupling bracket, a third coupling bracket, afourth coupling bracket, a fifth coupling bracket, and a sixth couplingbracket, the first, third, and fifth coupling brackets being structuredto be coupled to a first surface of a barrier and the second, fourth,and sixth coupling brackets being structured to be coupled to a secondsurface of a barrier.
 36. The glare screen of claim 32, wherein the atleast one coupling bracket defines at least one fastener opening. 37.The glare screen of claim 32, wherein the at least one coupling bracketcomprises a first bracket section, a second bracket section, and a thirdbracket section, wherein the first bracket section is embedded in thescreen polymeric foam portion, the second bracket section extends alongthe bottom end of the screen polymeric foam portion, and the thirdbracket portion extends away from the screen polymeric foam portion. 38.The glare screen of claim 32, wherein the screen polymeric foam portioncomprises a first screen polymeric foam portion and a second screenpolymeric foam portion, the glare screen further comprising: a rubbermembrane having a first surface and a second surface opposite and spacedapart from the first surface, wherein the second surface of the firstscreen polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface of the rubbermembrane and the second surface of the rubber membrane abuts the firstsurface of the second screen polymeric foam portion.
 39. The glarescreen of claim 38, wherein the rubber membrane has a thickness of ⅛inch as measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane to thesecond surface of the rubber membrane.
 40. The glare screen of claim 32,wherein the screen polymeric foam portion comprises 1-pound densityexpanded polystyrene.
 41. The sound barrier panel of claim 32, whereinthe screen polymeric foam portion comprises from 1-pound density to10-pound density expanded polystyrene.
 42. The sound barrier panel ofclaim 41, wherein the screen polymeric foam portion comprises from3-pound density to 5-pound density expanded polystyrene.
 43. The glarescreen of claim 32, wherein the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84 fireretardant rating of Class A.
 44. The glare screen of claim 32, whereinone of the first end or the second end of the screen polymeric foamportion is couplable to the other of the second end or the first end ofthe screen polymeric foam portion of another glare screen by a tongueand groove joint.
 45. The glare screen of claim 32, wherein one of thefirst end or the second end of the screen polymeric foam portion iscouplable to the other of the second end or the first end of the screenpolymeric foam portion of another glare screen by a lap joint.
 46. Aglare screen system comprising: a barrier having a first barrier surfaceand a second barrier surface opposite and spaced apart from the firstbarrier surface; and the glare screen of claim 32, wherein the at leastone coupling bracket is coupled to the first barrier surface or thesecond barrier surface.
 47. The glare screen system of claim 46, whereinthe at least one coupling bracket comprises a first coupling bracket anda second coupling bracket, the first coupling bracket being coupled tothe first barrier surface and the second coupling bracket being coupledto the second barrier surface.
 48. The glare screen system of claim 46,wherein the at least one coupling bracket comprises a first couplingbracket, a second coupling bracket, a third coupling bracket, and afourth coupling bracket, the first and third coupling brackets beingstructured to be coupled to a first surface of a barrier and the secondand fourth coupling brackets being structured to be coupled to a secondsurface of a barrier.
 49. The glare screen system of claim 46, whereinthe at least one coupling bracket comprises a first coupling bracket, asecond coupling bracket, a third coupling bracket, a fourth couplingbracket, a fifth coupling bracket, and a sixth coupling bracket, thefirst, third, and fifth coupling brackets being structured to be coupledto a first surface of a barrier and the second, fourth, and sixthcoupling brackets being structured to be coupled to a second surface ofa barrier.
 50. The glare screen system of claim 46, wherein the at leastone coupling bracket defines at least one fastener opening.
 51. Theglare screen system of claim 46, wherein the at least one couplingbracket comprises a first bracket section, a second bracket section, anda third bracket section, wherein the first bracket section is embeddedin the screen polymeric foam portion, the second bracket section extendsalong the bottom end of the screen polymeric foam portion, and the thirdbracket portion extends away from the screen polymeric foam portion. 52.The glare screen system of claim 46, wherein the screen polymeric foamportion comprises a first screen polymeric foam portion and a secondscreen polymeric foam portion, the glare screen further comprising: arubber membrane having a first surface and a second surface opposite andspaced apart from the first surface, wherein the second surface of thefirst screen polymeric foam portion abuts the first surface of therubber membrane and the second surface of the rubber membrane abuts thefirst surface of the second screen polymeric foam portion.
 53. The glarescreen system of claim 52, wherein the rubber membrane has a thicknessof ⅛ inch as measured from the first surface of the rubber membrane tothe second surface of the rubber membrane.
 54. The glare screen systemof claim 46, wherein the screen polymeric foam portion comprises 1-pounddensity expanded polystyrene.
 55. The sound barrier panel of claim 46,wherein the screen polymeric foam portion comprises from 1-pound densityto 10-pound density expanded polystyrene.
 56. The sound barrier panel ofclaim 55, wherein the screen polymeric foam portion comprises from3-pound density to 5-pound density expanded polystyrene.
 57. The glarescreen system of claim 46, wherein the polyurea coating has an ASTM E84fire retardant rating of Class A.
 58. The glare screen system of claim46, wherein one of the first end or the second end of the screenpolymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the second end orthe first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of another glarescreen by a tongue and groove joint.
 59. The glare screen system ofclaim 46, wherein one of the first end or the second end of the screenpolymeric foam portion is couplable to the other of the second end orthe first end of the screen polymeric foam portion of another glarescreen by a lap joint.